Politics
Opposition sees ND’s call for broader subsidy inquiry as attempt to muddy waters
The government caught its opponents by surprise on Monday when it announced that it will propose a broad parliamentary investigation into the alleged misuse of agricultural subsidies dating back to 1998 – a move that the opposition parties see as an attempt to dodge responsibility for the offences at the Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aids (OPEKEPE) which appear to have taken place under New Democracy’s watch.
PASOK homes in on misuse of public money but ND hopeful of absorbing blows
PASOK is expected to table over the coming days a proposal for a preliminary judicial inquiry into the OPEKEPE scandal, arguing that former agricultural development ministers Makis Voridis and Lefteris Avgenakis should face breach of duty charges.
ND doubles down on stricter migration policy, riling opponents
Despite a domestic and international outcry over its decision to adopt emergency migration measures, the government seems to have no intention of backing down from its controversial decision, which has to be considered within the current context of Greek politics as well as the heightened flow of migrants reaching the country from Libya.
Mitsotakis defends his record against backdrop of tough migration package
PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis used the announcement of emergency measures to tackle a surge in migrant arrivals to mark New Democracy’s six years in power. The prime minister launched an attack on his political opponents, including his predecessor Alexis Tsipras, who is rumoured to be planning a comeback to frontline politics.
Migration opens new front for government after Libya snub
On the heels of a bruising week of battling revelations of organised fraud and corruption in the distribution of agricultural funds, the government is being accused of dropping the ball on migration, after an EU-led delegation including Migration Minister Thanos Plevris was turned back at the border of Libya where it had arrived for talks on managing Mediterranean boat crossings.
Athens steps up efforts to build links with Libya as EU steps in to assist
Increased migrant flows from Libya to southern Crete are causing the Greek government much concern. The arrival of 1,400 migrants since the weekend, has prompted Greek authorities to start talking about a humanitarian crisis as the island does not have the necessary accommodation facilities.
Government hopeful of weathering subsidy scandal despite public’s finger of blame
Almost all Greek voters believe that the government has political responsibility for the OPEKEPE scandal, according to a new opinion poll that will compound New Democracy’s concerns about the potentially lasting impact of the farming subsidy affair.
Temperature rises for Mitsotakis administration as investigations progress, with more to come
Greece is bracing for a heatwave this week but the government is facing political heat as it struggles to contain the fallout from the OPEKEPE scandal, which is threatening to ruin Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s summer.
New Democracy tries to push back against corruption claims
The government is trying to fight back over the OPEKEPE scandal, which has seen it besieged over the past few days as the opposition and the local media has feasted on the details of the fraudulent disbursement of EU funds to Greek farmers.
Opposition takes aim at PM's inner circle over subsidy fraud as scandal halts ND rebound
Opposition parties are clamouring for a preliminary inquiry into the farming subsidies scandal, confident that fresh evidence will be enough to implicate PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The scandal has grabbed the public’s attention, with polling suggesting that the revelations have put a stop to New Democracy’s recovery efforts.